FORMER ISLANDER GROTA SIGNS WITH LAS CRUCES VAQUEROS

Dec 17, 2009

Former Texas A&M-Corpus Christi pitcher Justin Grota has
signed a spring training contract with the Las Cruces Vaqueros of
the Continental Baseball League.

Grota was signed after trying out for the team in Albuquerque,
N.M. He was one of 16 players selected to attend the team's spring
training season which begins April 24. The team will select 10
pitchers and 15 position players for its opening-day roster.

"Justin is the classic overachiever," said Islander head coach
Scott Malone. "I wish every day that I would have 10 players just
like him that had the same work ethic and passion for this
university and the program.

"He never had the hardest or best stuff, but he always battled
and found a way to give us a chance to win. I am excited that he is
getting a chance at the next level."

In two seasons with the Islanders, Grota amassed a 4-5 record
with 12 starts in 35 appearances. In 88-1/3 innings of work, the
righty recorded 49 strikeouts. In the final game of the Islanders
2008 season in the Southland Conference tournament, Grota had the
best outing of his career. He allowed two runs in seven innings of
work against a strong Sam Houston team.

"I will always remember Justin for his start against Sam Houston
in the conference tournament and I think his teammates will as
well," said Malone. "Against one of the most talented teams in the
league, he nearly single-handedly helped us reach the final
day."